Plans to replace Stanmore tennis club with housing development slammed as ‘devastating’ by LTA
The threat of demolition looms over The Elms Tennis Club, a beloved institution in Harrow that has been serving the local community for nearly a century. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has expressed its strong opposition to the plans, which would see the club’s courts and clubhouse torn down to make way for eight five-bedroom homes. The proposed development, submitted by Valuable Homes Ltd, has been met with widespread criticism from local residents, tennis enthusiasts, and the LTA, who argue that it would result in the loss of a vital community resource. With over 400 regular players, including 350 children who attend coaching sessions every week, The Elms Tennis Club is a hub of activity that brings people together and provides a safe space for kids to learn and play.
The club’s manager, Jason O’Connor, has spoken out against the plans, highlighting the importance of the facility to the local community. He explained that the club’s “pay and play” policy makes it accessible to people of all backgrounds, and that the loss of the facility would have a significant impact on the wellbeing of local residents, particularly children. The club’s mini-courts, which cater specifically to young children, are a unique feature that sets it apart from other tennis clubs in the area. O’Connor also pointed out that the club works closely with local schools to deliver tennis sessions, and that the loss of the facility would have a ripple effect on the entire community. The LTA’s Delivery Manager, Amanda Robinson, has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the demand for tennis in the area is high, and that The Elms is one of the few clubs that offers “pay and play” facilities, making it an essential resource for the community.
The plans to demolish The Elms Tennis Club have been driven by the need to address London’s growing housing crisis. The developer’s planning consultant, Total Planning, argues that the site is underutilized and could be better used to provide high-quality housing. However, the LTA and local residents counter that the loss of the tennis club would be devastating, and that the needs of the community should take precedence over the interests of developers. The dispute highlights the tension between the need for new housing and the importance of preserving community resources. While the developer claims that there are adequate alternative facilities within walking distance, the LTA and local residents argue that these alternatives are not sufficient to meet the demand for tennis in the area.
The history of The Elms Tennis Club is a long and storied one, dating back to 1929. The club has been a staple of the community for generations, and its loss would be felt deeply by local residents. The club’s managers and members have been fighting to save the facility, arguing that it is a vital part of the community’s fabric. The club’s unique features, such as its mini-courts and “pay and play” policy, make it an essential resource for the community, and its loss would be a significant blow to the area. The LTA has also highlighted the importance of preserving community tennis venues, arguing that they play a vital role in promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion.
The future of The Elms Tennis Club now rests in the hands of Harrow Council’s Planning Committee, which will review the plans and make a decision on whether to approve or reject them. The committee will need to weigh the competing interests of the developer, the LTA, and local residents, and make a decision that balances the need for new housing with the importance of preserving community resources. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the community, and will determine the fate of a beloved institution that has been serving the local area for nearly a century. The LTA and local residents are holding out hope that the committee will see the value in preserving The Elms Tennis Club, and that the facility will be saved for future generations to enjoy.
As the community waits with bated breath for the Planning Committee’s decision, the fate of The Elms Tennis Club remains uncertain. One thing is clear, however: the loss of this beloved facility would be a devastating blow to the community, and would have far-reaching consequences for the local area. The club’s managers, members, and supporters will continue to fight to save the facility, and will be watching the Planning Committee’s decision closely. The outcome of this decision will have a significant impact on the community, and will determine the future of a vital resource that has been serving the local area for nearly a century. The Elms Tennis Club is more than just a tennis club – it is a community hub, a gathering place, and a source of joy and recreation for hundreds of people. Its loss would be a tragedy, and it is imperative that the Planning Committee takes the needs of the community into account when making its decision.
